A critically ill young boy’s wish was granted Wednesday morning by the Make A Wish Mid Atlantic Foundation and Metro. His wish — his very own ride aboard a Metrobus.
For his 10th birthday, Jacob Crandall wanted to ride the bus with his family. The D.C.-area transit agency was thrilled to receive the request, according to Leroy Jones, Metro senior vice president of bus services.
“Chills are going though my body right now,” said Jones about the agency’s first-ever Make a Wish request. “When we received the request last week, everyone sprung into action, just trying to figure out how can we pull this off. How can we make this the most special day for Jacob.”
Crandall and his family arrived at the Western Bus Division garage in Friendship Heights in a limousine before the group hopped aboard a new Metrobus decked out with balloons, Metro swag and even a bus-themed birthday cake.
A Metrobus, a bright sign, and a wish come true! For Jacob's 10th, we turned a bus ride into birthday magic, complete with his name in lights. Big thanks to @WishMidAtlantic and our Metro Family for helping us bring joy to Jacob and his family. #wmata pic.twitter.com/9blbQzYt1Q
— Metro Forward (@wmata) March 13, 2024
“He loves trucks and buses. And he likes to ride around looking into trucks and buses,” his great-uncle Joe told reporters, speaking for the family.
“The whole family has been through a lot,” he said. “He’s been in children’s hospitals in and out for years with various problems, and it’s been a strain on everybody. But to see an event like this puts a real positive spin on what he’s going through and the whole family.”
Before Crandall and his family took off on their ride, he waved to the crowd and got a birthday cheer before cruising down Wisconsin Avenue and riding through Georgetown.
“Gives him a really big happy day. He hasn’t had many of them lately,” Joe said.
